Rachel Evans
Fasting and abstinence are Church-imposed practices that require Catholics to deny themselves food and drink during certain seasons and on specific days. While the duration of fasting may vary, it typically ranges from a one-hour fast before receiving Communion to longer periods such as the entire day or multiple days. The purpose of fasting is not only penitential but also spiritual, expressing recognition that spiritual matters are of greater importance than physical needs. Catholics may choose to enhance their Lenten fasting by donating the cost of meals to charitable causes, such as Catholic Relief Services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of fasting | Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day and two smaller meals, known as "collations". |
| Drinks during fasting | Beverages, including water and alcohol, are allowed during fasting. |
| Age limit | Fasting is obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 14 and 59/60. |
| Exceptions | People above 60 are automatically exempted from fasting. However, they may choose to participate if their health permits. |
| Dispensation | A pastor may give dispensation for medical needs. |
| Days of fasting | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Ember Fridays in September and Advent are obligatory fasting days. |
| Fasting before Communion | A one-hour fast is required before receiving Communion. |
| Maronite Catholic fasting | Fasting from 12 am to 12 pm every Wednesday and Friday of the year. |
| Fasting during Lent | Fasting is done every day except on Sunday. |
| Fasting before Sunday evening Liturgies | Fasting for 1-3 hours before Sunday evening Liturgies. |
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What You'll Learn
Fasting during Lent
Fasting is a common practice during Lent for Catholics. It is a form of penance and self-denial, where Catholics voluntarily abstain from food and drink to express their longing for Jesus and to imitate his suffering. While the specific rules of fasting may vary depending on the region and the individual's ability, there are some general guidelines that are commonly followed during Lent.
According to the Code of Canon Law, Catholics who are not exempted are required to practice both abstinence and fasting on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and, if possible, throughout Holy Saturday. Members of the Latin Catholic Church, which includes those in the United States, are obliged to fast from the age of 18 until the age of 59. However, a pastor can grant dispensation for medical needs. During fasting, individuals are permitted to consume water and medicine but refrain from solid food and alcohol.
On the days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day. Additionally, they may have two smaller meals, known as "collations", which together do not equal a full meal. This practice is in line with the traditional definition of fasting, where the focus is on the quantity of food consumed rather than the type of food.
Fridays during Lent, excluding Good Friday, are also considered obligatory days of abstinence from meat. However, an alternative form of penance may be practised instead. This flexibility is in accordance with Canon Law, which allows the conference of bishops in each nation to substitute other forms of penance for abstinence and fasting.
Catholics may also choose to enhance their Lenten fasting practice by participating in initiatives such as the CRS Rice Bowl, where they give up meals and donate the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services, helping those in need.
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The Eucharistic Fast
Historically, the duration of the Eucharistic Fast has varied. In the first few centuries of the Church, there was no fast before Communion, as an agape meal preceded the Eucharist. However, by the 5th century, St. Augustine wrote about the practice of fasting before Communion as a nearly universal tradition. During the Middle Ages, the fast typically began at midnight before receiving Communion the next morning.
In 1957, Pope Pius XII reduced the fast to three hours, and in 1964, Pope Paul VI further shortened the fast to one hour. This change was implemented to encourage Catholics to receive Communion more frequently. The current discipline, as per the 1983 Code of Canon Law, states that "Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine." This law acknowledges that the one-hour fast is a minimum, and individuals are encouraged to fast for a longer duration if possible.
It is worth noting that there are exceptions to the one-hour fast rule. For instance, the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them are not required to adhere to the one-hour fast and can receive the Eucharist even if they have eaten within the preceding hour. Additionally, priests who celebrate multiple Masses on the same day are exempt from the one-hour fast between consecutive Masses.
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Age requirements
The age requirements for Catholic fasting vary depending on the specific tradition and region. Here is a detailed overview of the age requirements for Catholic fasting:
Latin Rite Catholics
According to the Code of Canon Law, Latin Rite Catholics are required to observe the laws of abstinence starting at the age of 14. This means refraining from eating meat on Fridays during Lent and other specified days. At the age of 18, Latin Rite Catholics are expected to begin fasting, which continues until the beginning of their 60th year. However, even those below the age of fasting are encouraged to participate in abstinence and offered guidance on the true meaning of penance.
United States
In the United States, the norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics aged 18 to 59. This aligns with the Latin Rite tradition, where fasting is required from age 18 to 59. Abstinence from meat is also binding upon Catholics in the United States from the age of 14 onwards.
Eastern Catholic Churches
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are advised to follow the particular laws of their own sui iuris Church. The age requirements for fasting and abstinence in these churches may vary, and it is recommended to refer to their specific guidelines.
Encouraging Children to Participate
While children below the age requirements are not obliged to fast, encouraging them to participate in abstinence, such as refraining from meat on Fridays during Lent, is considered meritorious. This helps educate them about the value of penance and unifies them with the broader Catholic community.
Exemptions
It is important to note that individuals with certain conditions or circumstances may be exempt from fasting requirements, regardless of their age. This includes those who are physically or mentally ill, pregnant, or nursing. In such cases, common sense should prevail, and individuals should not jeopardize their health by fasting.
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Obligatory days
The traditional definition of fasting, in the absence of specifications in Canon Law, is that on the days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day. Additionally, they may have two smaller meals, known as "collations". Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, not drink, so the amount of water or other beverages is not restricted.
Abstinence means refraining from eating meat as an act of penance. Members of the Latin Catholic Church must observe abstinence from meat from age 14 onwards. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has stated that "Friday itself remains a special day of penitential observance throughout the year" and "we give first place to abstinence from flesh meat." The Ember Days have been re-established in the Calendar of the Ordinariates, and when they do not conflict with a Solemnity, the Ember Fridays in September and Advent are days of obligatory abstinence.
The practice of fasting has changed over time. In ancient times, the practice was to fast from midnight until Mass that day. Pope Pius XII reduced this in 1957 to fasting for three hours before receiving Communion, and Pope Paul VI further reduced the Eucharistic Fast to one hour in 1964. The Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference decreed in 1985 that Fridays throughout the year, including in Lent (other than Good Friday), are not obligatory days of abstinence from meat if an alternative form of penance is practised. However, support for the return of obligatory Friday abstinence has been growing in England, Wales, and among some Australian bishops.
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What to abstain from
Abstinence, in the context of Catholic fasting, traditionally refers to refraining from eating meat. This practice has evolved over the centuries, and meat by-products are no longer included in abstinence requirements. However, some Catholics choose to abstain from meat and meat by-products as a matter of personal devotion.
Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. These days are considered obligatory days of abstinence and fasting for Catholics. In addition, Ember Days, which include Ember Fridays in September and Advent, are also obligatory days of abstinence.
The type of food abstained from during fasting is just as important as the quantity. While fish, eggs, milk products, and foods made with animal fats are permitted on fasting days, Catholics are encouraged to avoid indulging in lavish seafood buffets, as this misses the point of penance and self-denial.
Catholics are also encouraged to explore non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent. For example, giving up text messaging or other modern conveniences can be a form of self-denial and a way to focus on spiritual growth.
Fasting and abstinence are spiritual practices that allow Catholics to express their longing for Jesus, imitate his suffering, and prepare themselves to celebrate his resurrection. These acts of self-denial help Catholics free themselves from worldly distractions and focus on spiritual growth and improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics are obligated to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, but they can choose to do another form of penance instead.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. The fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.
Catholics are required to fast for one hour before receiving Communion. This is known as the Eucharistic Fast.
During Lent, Catholics may give up meals and donate the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services. They may also adopt non-dietary forms of abstinence, such as giving up text messaging.
On Sundays, Catholics are meant to fast before taking the Eucharist. If attending Sunday evening liturgies, they should fast for 1-3 hours beforehand.
